ChatterBank0 min ago
Isn't This Just A Stupid Idea
35 Answers
I was browsing the government petitions last night, and I stumbled apon one that I felt would just cause more harm than good.
Its a petition to make drivers from the age of 60 retake their driving test.
To start with what if your job is a driving job, delivery driver, or taxi, HGV.
Plus theres people like me that a car is vital to get me to work.
Taking a car test, or booking one isn't going to be a swift situation, and what if you don't pass either your theory or practical test straight away.
Imagine the disruption this would cause all over the country, it would shut the country down, forcing people to lose their jobs as they can't get to work.
The age 60 typically means currently theres 7 more years to work, so personally whoever created this petition needs to concider all these things.
I'm surprised the government didn't reject it altogether, but its become an active petition gaining a few signatures.
Am I the only one who can see this is a stupid idea?
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Thank God I'm not alone. 😇
I can't even understand their logic, especially as its not a retirement age.
Maybe 70 is more realistic, but even then it would bring its own negative implications.
Like the newly retired couple who just bought a camper van and drives down to Cornwall for a break, we see them in their droves in summer time. So retaking your test could upset a lot of over 70's too.
No you're not; it's as stupid as restricting younger drivers from carrying passengers/driving at night etc unless they've proved themselves unsafe and then you really cane them. I tend to think that bringing in a wider use of short-term bans would be a good way of punishing idiot drivers. To many people the money doesn't matter (think footballers, pop stars etc) where a short-term ban (month) would affect all the same from an inconvenience/embarrassment point of view, so could be more effective.
It will never happen because
a) its impractical...there is already a massive waiting list for 'ordinary' tests.
b) it would be a massive vote loser for the incumbent government that introduced it.
Most people who think this might be a good idea are, I think, mainly worried about medical conditions affecting your driving. HGV and PSV drivers already have to have a medical every 5 years after the age of 45 and one every year after 65. This, of course, doesn't mean they are necessarily a competent driver, but what is the alternative?
In theory, it seems a great idea, but is totally impractical and will never happen...at least in my lifetime!!
albaqwerty,
I agree, and I would say statistically 60 plus drivers would be more careful and abide speed limits compared to between the ages 17 to 30.
I will admit I went through the boy racer phase, but by 30 that was well behind me, especially when you start to have your own children.
But like I was saying earlier I'm amazed the petition was activated at all.
My Stop altering the clocks petition was thrown out altogether.
I tend to think older drivers are more careful and take less risks, especially as by the age of 60 they would have decades of experience.
There is the odd exception of course, in fact I know a guy I used to work with didn't actually pass his car test until he was 56, as he used to get to work on a bicycle. But as he got older he felt the bicycle was getting hard work so bought his first car at 56. But I think that is rare.
